Today was the Trail of Two Cities Marathon and Half in Fresno. My mom and her friend Julie walked it. I was supposed to be running the half marathon today, but I didn't. I hardly have done any training since the Triathlon at Pacific Grove so I didn't register. I'm fine with that decision. But as I went to the marathon and stood by the finish line, I wished I had trained and run the half.
It was nice to see my friends and teammates at the Expo yesterday and at the marathon today. But it made me realize how disconnected I've become from that part of my life. Granted, I have nothing to train for right now and have a hip issue. But I also haven't made an effort to spend any time with my friends. I know that life gets busy and we don't always connect, but it feels to me that I'm like a distant acquaintance who people say, "Yeah, I remember her. What ever happened to her." The blame belongs solely to me.
And I realized today as I was told something I had not expected to hear, that I have a busy life. And sometimes that busy life impacts the things I really want to do and makes me not so good at the things I think I'm really good at. But as I have said before, we don't always see ourselves as others see us. Lesson learned.
My mom and Julie walked the half marathon in 2:56. I'm extremely proud of her. She's in phenomenal shape and kicks my ass every time we walk. My friend and tri teammate, Nabil ran his first full marathon in 3:16. I'm exceptionally proud. My coach, Jenny, ran the half in 1:50. I'm surrounded by amazing athletes and talented people and I'm glad I was out there today to see them.
I'm going to physical therapy to get my hip taken care of. I had thoughts of quitting this endurance event stuff today as I stood on the side of the course near the finish line and realized that (1) I'm not a runner and (2) I probably never will be. Then I realized that I don't have to be. I am who I am. I may or may not ever run a marathon or half. I may or may not ever do a century ride. I may or may not do another triathlon. But whatever I do, I will give it my best effort. Just like all my friends did today.
To everyone who did the marathon or half today, congratulations. You all did a great thing. Whether it was your first or fiftieth, you should be proud. I am.
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